The schedule for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is now revealed.
Ramadan 2019 is soon approaching. Ramadan is observed when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for approximately 30 days – and there are essential details that everyone living in Dubai should be aware of.
Here’s everything one need to know about the Ramadan dates and times this year, as well as the major questions answered. This year, Ramadan is expected to start on Sunday May 5 and go on until Tuesday June 4 – although that’s subject to change because the dates are determined by the sighting of a new moon.
The beginning and end of Ramadan will be declared as the day before following observations by religious experts. This is when, many businesses establish different opening and closing times – and it’s also important for people living in or visiting the city to be respectful and to take note of certain customs.
Ramadan 2019 dates and schedule
When is Ramadan 2019? On or around Sunday May 5 2019 to Tuesday June 4 2019.
When is Eid al-Fitr? On or around Wednesday June 5 2019 to Thursday June 6 2019.
When is Eid al-Adha? On or around Monday August 12 2019 to Wednesday August 14 2019. Dates are subject to change based on moon sighting
Ramadan 2019 Various businesses will have altered opening and closing times during Ramadan 2019. This includes shopping malls, grocery stores, cinemas and more. Diners must make sure they double check times before they plan.
What is Eid? Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the most important two annual Islamic celebrations. Eid al-Fitr translates as the ‘festival of breaking the fast’ and comes about immediately after Ramadan, with festivity, day-time feasts and family gatherings. Family and friends get dressed up in new Eid clothes and visit each other’s houses bearing gifts. One must expect traffic to increase in the days leading up to this, as people rush to get new clothes, haircuts, henna and buy all the ingredients for their feasts).
Families also visit the poor and needy in their own communities to make sure they have enough food and water to celebrate themselves. Charity is known as zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, and is particularly significant during Ramadan and the Eids. Eid al-Adha is the second celebration in the year and translates as the ‘festival of sacrifice’. It’s approximately 70 days after the end of Ramadan. Both Eids are observed as national public holidays that typically last three days (often longer for some sectors), so expect government departments, shops and businesses to be closed.
What is iftar and suhoor? Iftar is the meal to break the fast post sunset. Generally people will have dates, dried apricots and Ramadan juices, before attending evening prayer. After the prayers, lavish meals are the norm, usually with family and friends. Suhoor is a meal taken just before sunrise, before the day of fasting starts. Various hotels host smaller buffets, traditional activities and a lot more to celebrate until the small hours of the morning.
What are the etiquette regarding eating and drinking if you’re not fasting? During Ramadan, drinking and eating in public is considered very offensive and can even attract a fine or a reprimand from the police. If an individual wants to eat or drink in daylight hours during Ramadan it has to be done indoors and out of sight or in designated screened-off areas within public places.
What are the rules regarding dress during Ramadan? It is recommended that both men and women dress conservatively during the month of Ramadan. Not to offend those who are fasting. Individuals must refrain from wearing revealing and/or tight clothing and at the very least ensure shoulders and knees are well covered.
Can non-Muslims get involved in Ramadan? Yes, in the Gulf region many iftar and suhoor events are set up all over the country as a way to bring the entire community together. Those who haven’t been fasting, are still welcome to join. They can exchange Ramadan greetings, especially at the beginning of the month. The word ‘Kareem’ in the phrase ‘Ramadan Kareem’ is the equivalent to ‘generous’, so the expression means ‘Wish you generous Ramadan’. They can be charitable and donate to Ramadan camps, care packages and other charity organisations. People are welcome to fast along with their Muslim colleagues for a day or two and break the fast together at the time of iftar.
Photo courtesy: www.visitdubai.com
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